Posts by tag: 900

Ducati November 20, 2020 posted by Mike

All Sales Final: 1998 Ducati 900 Final Edition #104

Ducati has a long history of creating some very memorable motorcycles, many of which have been considered rolling artwork. They also have perfected the art of the limited edition, with exclusive models wearing limited and unique number plaques on the headstocks. The purpose of the special, super-exclusive badging is to drive demand via the perception of scarcity – thereby harnessing the law of supply and demand to turn a bigger profit. And in many, many cases the motorcycles wearing the “LE” badge are indeed special bikes (SP, SPS, LTD, Superlight, MH900e all come to mind). And what can be as special as the last model of the vaunted Tamburini-era 900 Supersport?

1998 Ducati 900 Final Edition #104 for sale on eBay

To be sure the 1998 model year was not the last Supersport – for these are still being built today. But the ’98 model was the final year for this particular design, which dates back to the 1980s and the introduction of the Pantah motor. With a big square headlight and both a half-faired as well as fully faired bodywork style available, the Supersport allowed customers who could not afford a 851/88/916 Superbike model a more wallet-friendly way to get into Ducati. And it worked. The air-cooled, two valve, desmo Ducati Supersports became a hot seller, overhauled only by the success of the Monster line. But the big deal here was not the past, but the future. For in 1998 the “new” Supersport design was launched – penned by Pierre Terblanche. Responsible for the polarizing design of the 999, Terblanche’s take on the classic 900 Supersport fell flat. That cliff dive of design continuity is what *really* makes the ’98 900 Final Edition special.

From the seller:
Final Edition – 1998 Ducati Supersport 900FE

To mark the end of its badass Supersport line, Ducati released a one-year run of 800 bikes around the world. They called it the Final Edition, painted it silver, and threw on a couple of goodies like 41mm FCR carbs and Ohlins rear shock. 300 of the 800 examples made it over the US – here’s number 104.

Ducati started with the Superlight variant of the SS, and then in addition to the silver paint, added a whole bunch of carbon: mudguard, chain guard, rear fender, countershaft drive cover, and dashboard cover. In addition, they raised the pipes for more cornering clearance, gave it new cast iron floating rotors, and some new parts (voltage regulator and alternator) were added, too.

Extremely rare Ducati, 14,895 miles in pristine condition. I am the second owner and it has been meticulously maintained.

From an ownership perspective, there is little not to love about the Supersport. Relatively simple, light, torquey and rock solid, the Ducati of this era gave up a little bit of creature comfort and polish to the Japanese competition, but offered the visceral sound and experience for which Ducati is known. Maintenance intervals are reasonable, and the 2v motors are much easier to work on than the desmoquattro Superbikes. All in all, these are reliable machines with a relatively low cost of ownership considering it is an Italian exotic.

From a collector perspective, the 900SS-SP (Sport Production) and 900SS-SL (Superlight) are the top dogs of the Supersport world. The Final Edition is essentially a specially-badged SP variant, which should certainly place it appropriately as unique. These are not necessarily valuable motorcycles as a whole (a basic 900 SS CR model remains a real bargain today), but values are certainly on the rise. Superlights are way up, and SP versions of the 900SS are climbing. This 900SS-FE has been slow on the auction side, and has a Buy It Now price of $9,000. That B.I.N. number is fair money for a clean and well-kept FE, so interested buyers should check out all of the details here. It’s hard to go wrong with a Ducati Supersport, be it bevel or Pantah, Tamburini or Terblanche. What’s your favorite Supersport model? Be sure and let us know in the comments. Stay safe, and good luck!!

Benelli November 17, 2020 posted by Donn

Sei You Will – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

The 900 Sei was a natural evolution of the 1974 750, which was an engineering masterpiece. Here’s a 1983 example with rather low miles and superb looks.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Just reviewing the numbers, the Sei might not thrill – the 80 hp are nothing dramatic for a 900, and the three 24mm Dell’Orto carburetors are a good compromise but don’t incite a fire-breathing riot. Magic carpet torque made the 5-speed perfectly adequate, and the Sei’s smoothness made the high-ish cruise rpm acceptable. The six-into-two exhaust didn’t photograph like the 750’s six megaphones, but certainly helped keep the weight down. Bodywork flowed from the cockpit fairing to the integral tank and sidecovers, which Honda’s CB900F seemed to reference the next year.

Offered by a Miami classics ( everything from a fire truck to an Africa Twin ) dealer, this Sei shows just over 12,000 miles and has fawned-over if unrestored cosmetics. No word on maintenance except to say that it’s a runner. Turn that O’Neal logo on the left grip to the underside and away you go. Limited comments in the eBay auction:

A rare Original bike in fantastic condition with extremely low miles.

They don’t come up often. Collector quality. Starts, runs and drives excellent.

With DeTomaso’s help, Benelli took an early lead in the 1970’s, but was a boutique brand compared with the Japanese competition. Still their ideas inspired copycats plus some design reverence, and more recent Indian and Chinese partners have kept the engineering offices in Pesaro while moving production further east. The buy-it-now is about all any Sei could muster, but the Make Offer button could be the start of a conversation.

-donn

Ducati September 14, 2020 posted by Donn

In with Both Feet – 1979 Ducati 900SS

By the late 1970’s, Ducati’s 900 Supersport leaned heavily on its Taglioni heritage, but had several worthwhile updates. This Connecticut example has a very original look but has been refreshed in some important areas.

1979 Ducati 900SS for sale on eBay

Ducati’s Supersports have a markedly similar feel over the course of the decade, with the forward canted L-twin and very light fairing. Gear shift and rear brake had been normalized for the previous generation, with shifter action greatly improved. The square-case engine still sported a kick-starter, but made room for bigger crank journals, improving reliability along a with more modern ignition system. The spare good looks continued for 1979, but with cast wheels and an optional dual seat.

Hard to argue with the previous owner’s removal if you’ve seen the factory blinkers, and hopefully they had the good sense to backdate the carburetors to the 40mm Dell’Orto’s as well. Like a lady of a certain age, it’s not sporting to ask about a 40+ year-old motorcycle’s relationship history, but it appears there was a long-term owner early on, with service records. Engine and paintwork were refreshed just 1,000 miles ago, but seemingly almost 20 years in the past. For some of us, the fan’s bevel-drive window never gets old. Notes from the eBay auction:

This particular 900SS is just about perfect for the vintage motorcycle enthusiast who prefers a motorcycle that has been enthusiastically kept, cared for and ridden.

It includes an Ownership/maintenance binder with it’s history from July of 1980 though May of 2003 (covering 26,123 miles).

These records include an engine overhaul by Desmoto-Sport in California at the 25,435 mark and a paint refresh(with the exception of the tank) and front directional delete(owners preference) at 24,320 (~1998). (according to previous owners records)

This bike is really nice as you can see from the photos. I have the original directional for the front and rear.

All of the fiberglass bodywork appears to be original. However the windscreen is Gustuvsons.

Contis are nice, as well as all the switches and gauges.

The last time I rode the motorcycle it ran very well and carbs were adjusted perfectly (that was a few years ago).

There is a slight “tick” when it warms up that I can hear only at idle (it may need a valve adjustment).

Comes with a dual seat.

Whereas most manufacturer’s street machines were the basis for their racers, the 900SS reviewed as the other way round, and they finagled the regs to put their race bikes in the showroom. Either way you can’t see much on a 900SS that’s not required for a grand day out. Maybe you are ready to take the plunge into waters that are somewhere between classic and vintage depth ? This 1979 900SS looks like a great choice.

-donn

Triumph July 20, 2020 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Triumph T509 Speed Triple

Update 7.23.2020: This bike has SOLD in just 3 days to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Sharing little more than the letters on the nameplate with the namesake 1938 Speed Twin, fledgling Triumph Hinkley did have the same desire for the Speed Triple – to set the sales floor on fire. The 1994 introduction did very well indeed and justified a comprehensive re-design for 1997. RSBFS reader Todd offers his very sharp example in the single-year color Lucifer Orange.

1997 Triumph T509 Speed Triple with just 4,700 miles !

Despite the obscure T509 model designation, the Speed Triple used Triumph’s new modular 885cc engine which claimed 108 hp and 62 ft.-lbs. torque. Sagem fuel injection was a significant improvement over the original carburetors, and a 6-speed helped keep the engine on the boil. The updated chassis was alloy with a single-sided swingarm, though shares the rugged good looks of its steel predecessor. Suspension and brake components were high-spec, with 45mm multi-adjustable Showa forks, with their matching adjustable monoshock, and Nissin 4-piston calipers over 320mm rotors. The riding position is in keeping with its streetfighter image, and though early T509’s were equipped with clip-on’s, Todd’s has the mid-year conventional handlebar.

Todd is the second owner and has kept his Triple in phenomenal shape. The powder-coated silver wheels look sportier, and the belly pan and binnacle fairing with its Euro parking light are nice touches. Todd’s comments from his CycleTrader listing:

Lots of factory accessories on the bike: high mount carbon fiber “race” pipe, seat cowl, fly screen, carbon fiber tank protector, Tiger RS belly pan. Tail tidy and bar-end mirrors installed also. I had the wheels powder-coated silver when I bought the bike (they were originally black). Original mirrors, low pipe, passenger seat included. The bike will also include a Triumph pit stand.

Recent maintenance (done over this past winter to prepare the bike for sale):
-New injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter
-New spark plugs
-Rebuilt front calipers (pistons and seals)
-Front forks refreshed (new seals and oil)
-Coolant change
-Oil and Filter change

-Tires will need replacing soon

And here is a cold start / walk-around – video –

Todd asks $4,500 for his Speed Triple.

Triumph had a lot of competition in the muscle bike segment from the Yamaha V-Max to Ducati’s M900, but had their manufacturing ducks in a row and offered a European alternative at a sensible price. Todd picked a very good year, accessorized nicely, and cared for this eye-catching T509 beautifully.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1997 Triumph T509 Speed Triple

Ducati October 4, 2019 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – Early Production 1994 M900 Monster

Update 10.04.2019: This Monster is now on eBay. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Up for grabs is a tidy, near-stock 1993/4 Ducati Monster in classic Ducati Red. The owner has traced the VIN to production in July of 1993, making this part of the first 6 months of Monster production. Largely credited as the bike that saved Ducati, this Monster remains almost exactly as designer Miguel Galuzzi intended.

1994 M900 Monster with 7,600 Miles!

Even Ducati couldn’t have foreseen the long legs of the Monster, but all agree that this 1st generation Monster is a classic, as it represents the purest of the line. It was set up at the factory with off-the-shelf parts, but they built an honest, well appointed bike when Ducati needed it.

These early 900c “L-twin” (or a 90 degree V-Twin) breathe through a pair of Mikuni carburetors, and put out near 70hp at the rear wheel. Even at the price point, they included inverted front forks, dual disks up front with 4-piston Brembos, and a lot of other nice touches that remain on this mostly stock example. The same cost-saving mandate also dictated the now-iconic trellis frame, which defines the line of the bike.

While the Monster is the most numerous bike Ducati has ever produced, less than 2,000 of the first year were imported to the U.S., making this a very collectible motorcycle for the real Ducati lover.

This specific example looks very clean, with only 7,600 miles on the clock. The bike is 100% stock, except for tasteful low-mount slip-ons. The owner notes a small knick on the left side of the tank from a handlebar lock-up, but other than that things seem excellent all around.

Though it looks great without them, the stock mirrors will be included in the transaction. The owner states the bike has clean Illinois title. Bike will come with original manual, paperwork detailing 6,000 mile service completed in 2017. RSBFS reader Daniel is asking $9,499 for his chapter in Ducati history, and requests replies via text on (212) 256-8475. Shipping to the lower 48 states is included in the purchase price; bike is currently located in Central Florida.

If the spirit of the early Monsters moves you, it would make sense to act now, before scarcity and nostalgia for these now 25 year-old bikes kicks in and drives prices up.

-donn

Featured Listing – Early Production 1994 M900 Monster

Ducati July 23, 2019 posted by Donn

BFF – 1996 Ducati 900 SS/CR

Ducati has had a Supersport in their line-up since most of us have been riding, and the 1990’s were good years for the SS with excellent chassis, Brembo brakes, Showa suspension and the easy air-cooled desmodue. This example has miles, and though the owner went lightly on upgrades, maintenance is up to date.

1996 Ducati 900SS/CR for sale on eBay

The carburetted era was winding down at Ducati but the 900SS still sports 38mm Mikunis, helping deliver 85 hp, pretty good for a two-valve air cooled engine. Components were in a sweet spot as well, with dual 320mm disks, inverted forks and lightweight if not quiet dry clutch. A good-sized pillion is available under the beauty cover, and the cafe racer fairing insures easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

This owner has made a few nice mods with the alloy swingarm and wider rear wheel, looks like an updated monoshock though it isn’t mentioned. The oil change schedule has a seasonal sound, so likely not too many recent miles, and for that odometer it looks phenomenal. Generously photographed, there’s also video of – startup – and – walkaround – ( better soundtrack on the startup ). From the eBay auction:

1996 Ducati 900SS with 35,146 miles. Meticulously maintained. Very clean. Always stored indoors (inside basement shop). Oil and filter changed every 500 miles or so. Valve adjusted 34,235. Belts replaced, new Ferodo clutch plates, brakes/clutch bled 34,934. This is basically an SP model (sans the carbon fiber and remote reservoirs) with CR bodywork. Showa 41mm usd 3-way adjustable forks. Aluminum SP swingarm. 5.5″ rear wheel. Regina chain. 41t rear sprocket. Adjustable brake and clutch levers. Napoleon bar-end mirror. Stock exhaust and cans (though mildly jetted to accept slip-ons). Updated (2001+) clutch slave cylinder and rod. Vented 1/2 clutch cover. Lightly tinted windscreen. New Yuasa YTX20HL-BS High Performance AGM battery. Did I mention how clean this bike was?

The later Supersports had a tough row to hoe, second fiddle to the superbikes with the new Monsters breathing down their corner of the showroom. Only a few hundred were imported in ’97-98, and Pierre Terblanche provided a re-styled SS for 1999. Though there is a reserve on this auction, this SS/CR should still be a down payment-sized entry into the sportbike affliction.

-donn

Ducati March 1, 2019 posted by Donn

Barn Bevel – 1982 Ducati 900SS

Toward the left side of the sportbike diorama you’ll find the Ducati Super Sports, with bevel-gear drive desmodue and long tubular frame. This example is one of the last before belt-driven cams arrived, and appears to be a special order with nickel plated chassis.

1982 Ducati 900 SS for sale on eBay

Close enough to be called a 900, the 864cc L-twin pushed 65 ponies with twin Dell’Orto 32mm carbs. Giorgetto Guigiaro and Ital Design had been enlisted to pen the mid-70’s 860GT, and the bevel’s crankcases have the angular shape then in vogue. The twin downtube frame used the engine to transfer loads to the swingarm connector, with Marzocchi dampers front and rear. Brakes were triple solid discs of 280mm diameter. The tank became more rounded than the GT, along with frame mounted fairing derived from the early -70’s racing bikes.

The El Paso dealer who offers this SS doesn’t delve into the history, but with just 7,500 miles it’s been accumulating barn dust for a while. The clear bevel-drive covers show that there was a fan in the list of previous owners. A vignette of Berliner Imports is in the auction, maybe they ordered it with the nickel plated frame as a display. Some selective cleaning has been done, but there’s more. From the eBay auction:

VERY RARE NICKEL PLATED FRAME LESS THAN 5 KNOWN TO EXIST WORLD WIDE HAS 7434 MILES GREAT CONDITION. BARN FIND WITH TEXAS TITLE. SEE PICTURES. BUY AS IS. GREAT CONDITION.

The bevels lost fans as other supersports caught up, but the bike reviewed as a stable high-speed platform, appropriately carburretted for the road. Ducati got busy with the MHR’s, and not so many Supersports were built in 1981-82. This one has great potential, maybe not monetarily with the buy-it-now, but maybe down the road. When sold for a little less and restored to perfection, this interesting 900SS might be the hit of an early sportbike show.

-donn

Ducati January 17, 2019 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 1997 Ducati 900SS CR in rare yellow!

Update 1.28.2019: This bike has sold to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The Ducati 900 SuperSport line can trace its lineage a long way back. If you overlook the change from bevel-driven valve actuation to rubber belt drive, you can trace the DNA well into the 1970s. If you are looking for bleeding edge technology and the latest fads, you are missing the point. This is a motorcycle that is more than a collection of parts, even though the parts are very, very good. The Ducati SuperSport is a raw, basic sport bike that talks to the rider and gives willingly. With tons of great noise, torque, stability and panache, the SuperSport offers up a unique experience that is very Ducati.

Featured Listing: 1997 Ducati 900SS CR!

The SuperSport of the 90s came in 3 models: The SS CR (cafe racer) you see here, the SS SP (sports production) with upgraded suspension & brakes, and the SS SL (SuperLight). Originally only the SuperLight was available in yellow, while the SSCR and SSSP shipped in red livery with either gold or white accents depending upon the year. All had the same engine and chassis. The yellow CR is definitely an anomaly in the SuperSport world, and in many ways is the best looking of the bunch. The lighter color shows off the curves of the “just enough but not too much” bodywork. Thumb the starter and the 2-valve, air cooled desmo twin barks to life, idling with a pleasing lump. There is not a lot of RPM to play with by Japanese specs, but with torque available from 2,500 on up to redline, all is extremely usable. The twin arrangement creates a narrow profile and a comfortable cockpit.

From the seller:
1997 Ducati 900SS CR in the rare yellow

34,915 miles. High compression pistons. Termignoni carbon fiber slip-ons in exceptional condition. Open airbox with K&N filter. Brembo full floating cast iron rotors (as found on the SP). STM clutch slave cylinder. Stock forks were rebuilt/resprung several years ago. There’s a very small ding in the tank but overall the bike is in outstanding condition.

Best of all…

The bike has been freshly serviced by TJ at MotoUnion in WI–ZERO miles since the valve adjustment and belts (OEM) were replaced (except what I may put on between now and when it sells). Carbs were just professionally cleaned and tuned—new jets and adjustable needles.

More from the seller:
Also replaced, with zero miles since:

· New Shorai battery

· New 520 sprockets (aluminum rear)

· New DID ERV3 520 chain

· New Dunlop Q3 tires

· New spark plugs

· New grips

· New EBC HH brake pads

· Fresh Motul RBF600 brake and clutch fluid

· Filter and full synthetic oil change

The modifications have been carefully selected and things like the windscreen and fenders are still OEM. The maintenance has thoroughly been done, so you’ll have nothing to do but ride for thousands of miles.

I may be able to help with delivery between Chicago and Deal’s Gap in early September.

The hot rod bible for the SS lineup is pretty standard. This owner has made some tasteful, effective mods without thrashing the basic concept or idea. Weight is reduced, performance increased, yet reliability is not affected. The Termis are de rigueur, and add to the already fantastic soundtrack. Ditto for the airbox mods. The brake upgrade is not often seen on a CR, and takes braking to a whole new level. And the proof here is in the pudding; 34k miles and going strong. These motors are amazingly reliable and resilient; keep up with basic maintenance, belt changes and valve adjustments and you have a bike worth keeping long after the current fad has passed. Sure, at lower speeds the steering can be a bit heavy, but the platform is so stable across the sporting speed regime that it is hard to find much to fault. Maybe it isn’t the fastest bike out there, but as a rock solid performer you would be hard pressed to find a bike that delivers the goods so consistently.

1997 Ducati SS CR

Asking price: $3950

The best part of these iconic Ducatis: they are downright affordable to own. This bike has more cost in hi-po parts than the asking price for the whole package. Maintenance is not the nightmare that some make it out to be (easily handled by a backyard mechanic, or by a local shop), and reliability is astounding for a bike that sounds so good. Performance is more than adequate for aggressive street riding, and longevity of the basic bits has been proved time and again by high mileage bikes. Heck, these things even get great gas mileage (stock: 50+ mpg, modified: in the 40 mpg range) – if that sort of thing appeals to you. And this is not a sell job; several RSBFS staffers swear by these things with their own cash as long-term owners. Adam – who is no stranger to sport bike collections, is looking to thin his herd a bit and this beautiful 900 SSCR needs a new home. Drool over the pictures and then ask yourself how you could afford NOT to add one to your stable. You’ll be glad you did!